History–making O’Brien steals the show
The 20-year-old overtook Joe Tizzard’s tally of 91 victories in the 1998-9 campaign when collecting for his governor Philip Hobbs on Lincoln’s Inn in the opening Entertain Clients At Warwick Racecourse Maiden Hurdle.
O’Brien, who had ridden a staggering 73 winners by the end of November, moved alongside Tizzard’s record on Sunday and went one better as Hobbs’ 3-1 shot bounded clear on the run to the line to score by three and a half lengths from Onefourfun.
The jockey said: “It has been some day for me and that would be about my third treble.”
Hobbs added: “Tom has been with me for three years and has been a great addition to the team.
“He is improving all of the time and with him and Richard (Johnson) in the yard, it is never a problem sending good horses to two meetings as there is always someone to ride.
“Tom’s uncle is Aidan O’Brien so he has always been around good horses.
“Aidan and Tom’s dad, Jim, have been great influences.”
Despite entering the history books, O’Brien did not rest on his laurels and ensured the grey Xila Fontenailles (7-1) held the late rattle of Iron Maid by a short head in the Racing UK Mares’ Only Handicap Hurdle.
O’Brien’s 94th victory came when Good Book (11-1) found a new lease of life fitted with a first-time visor in the Flat Season Next Handicap Hurdle Chase.
Hobbs added to his tally on the final day of jumping action at the track this winter with a short-priced double which was completed when the JP McManus-owned Tritonix landed the spoils in the Banbury Novices’ Hurdle.
After leading the field into the straight, Tony McCoy enjoyed the luxury of stealing a peak through his legs to look for non-existent dangers before scooting clear over the last for a three-length success.
Hobbs said of the 4-7 favourite: “I am not sure of the plan – I will have to talk to the boss (McManus) but Aintree is a possible as he is not short of speed and a flat track will suit him.”
